I want something in the 43-inch to 50-inch range that allows me to stream things from the internet, mostly Netflix and Youtube, but also Vimeo, etc.
Should I get a simple smart TV, a Roku Smart TV, or Android Smart TV? Is it worth having a roku smart TV if you don't pay for the service? Pluses and minuses of each? Anything else I should be on the lookout for (good and bad)?
Thanks!
TCL has roku built in which is likely better than the non-roku TV's as far as apps go. Generally speaking the smart TV apps don't update like they would on a Firestick (which i'd recommend over the actual smart TV apps).
In sum, i'd focus on the best picture quality at the biggest size since there are infinite solutions for getting your TV connected to use apps.
Sammy - ( New Window )
Good picture and a pretty basic, easy-to-use SmartTV
no reason to avoid them. you can use the TV and apps other than the Roku app specifically without even having an account.
Very true.
I bought a 65" TCL Roku and it crapped out in less than 2 years. They have an issue where the screen goes black. You can look it up, it is fairly common. I will never buy another one.
You cannot go wrong with a Samsung.
No, doesn't matter. They will give you what you want but my focus would be on the quality of the TV not its smart features since you can always add a 3rd party peripheral.
Exactly. If the TV doesn't allow you to add apps, it will become obsolete more quickly. Buy the TV with the best picture for the best price, and use a device to stream with.
YMMV, you could skip buying a Roku TV if you don't bother with the Roku service. You could buy and ignore it, try it later, you could go with a stick service instead of streaming, etc. There's a lot of options and they're only getting better.
...for $248.00+tax. It's for the bedroom.
YMMV, you could skip buying a Roku TV if you don't bother with the Roku service. You could buy and ignore it, try it later, you could go with a stick service instead of streaming, etc. There's a lot of options and they're only getting better.
Roku isn’t a service. It’s a device for streaming other services: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO, etc. You can also stream via your Android or Apple device thru it.
If you will have a wide seating arrangement opt for an IPS panel TV over a VA panel. VA panels have better contrast at the expense of viewing angles.
Fun times.
but since they only sell smart TVs these days, here's what you should do:
- buy the best size/picture quality in your budget
- all things being equal (size/picture quality/price) get the Roku smart TV since the interface is great and this is their only business. easy to listen on your phone so nobody else hears the sound, etc.
good luck.
Speaking of these companies not getting along, we sometimes use the built-in Amazon Instant Video app on the LG instead of the AppleTV because the Amazon app for Apple doesn't always work right — probably because Apple and Amazon don't really get along so Amazon doesn't care to work much on the app for Apple's platform. They'd rather you're on the Fire platform.
It sounds great to have everything built in but it's not really that important. For example, I was determined to get a receiver with AirPlay built in, but one article noted you end up overpaying for that feature when you buy it built in to a receiver. If you want AirPlay, you're better of buying an Apple device for your system and getting all the capabilities that come with it. I agree
Fun times.
A plasma panel still blows away the bulk of these shitty uneven LEDs despite the obsolete, 10+ year old technology. If making a 4K or 8k plasma panel was cost effective I’d purchase one in a heart beat. Plasma is no more because of the cost to make them, needing more power to run it, and everyone under the sun thinking brighter is better. The lack of quality control with current TVs is appalling - the return rates are astronomical.
And those really weren’t arguments, it was you posting your opinion and everyone else providing facts.
This. Seriously. The “smart” interfaces on smart TVs typically suck. The fire tv or fire sticks are flawless. Just get a good tv with the picture sound you want and plenty of ports and you’re good. Then buy a 25 dollar fire stick or fire tv.
+1
If you have an ethernet port, a direct connection is more reliable. I have my main TV in the living room wired that way. My other 2 TV's have ROKU boxes that connect through wiFi. They work fine. I have a pretty robust Xfinity router, so YMMV
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Choose based on the picture. You can cheaply buy a Roku, Amazon Firestick or whatever you like and plug it into your TV. The Built-in smart features are generally inferior and difficult/immpossible to update.
+1
+2
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About to plasma or not to plasma?
Fun times.
A plasma panel still blows away the bulk of these shitty uneven LEDs despite the obsolete, 10+ year old technology. If making a 4K or 8k plasma panel was cost effective I’d purchase one in a heart beat. Plasma is no more because of the cost to make them, needing more power to run it, and everyone under the sun thinking brighter is better. The lack of quality control with current TVs is appalling - the return rates are astronomical.
And those really weren’t arguments, it was you posting your opinion and everyone else providing facts.
The reason plasma is no longer is that people DID NOT buy them - even when prices were super discounted.
'nuff said.
The reason plasma is no longer is that people DID NOT buy them - even when prices were super discounted.
'nuff said.
No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.
I have downloaded all the updates and reset the system multiple times. No improvement. I also have a Samsung Blu-ray player and the apps on that are just as slow/useless.
Don't know if that still holds.